VALENTINES DAY MASSACRE AT THE SLOUGH

[abishop]

Does any one here remember when there were so many gills taken out on Valentines day back in the 80's I believe that everyone had buckets full of bull gills. I remember that by headquarters there was so many holes drilled that there wasn't more than a few feet between holes. If I remember correctly I thought someone once said like 4,000 gills were taken out in the day. Does anyone on here remember the exact figures. Someone else said that the lake dropped like 2 inches cause of all the fish taken out. (not believable). The best day I think I ever had on the ice>........

[bottom bouncer]

Not sure if it was the same day but I do remember a weekend total on the HQ board that was over 4000. That was back in the day when you had to check in and report your catch or get a late card if going out til after dark and drop it in the box. They used to try and keep a record of what fish were coming out of the lake. Not sure when that stopped, I know it was after one of the renovations though. They used to have a drop box out at Mormon hill as well.

[apricot brandy]

I remember the count sheets and the board with the numbers up front and the box at Morman  Hill by the intersection to Birdhouse Point. It felt good thinking the numbers were being watched, whether they were or not.

[TeacherPreacher]

Being that I'm older then most Al, yes, I was there!!! Weekend before, fish and everything else were dieing. We fished back in refuge and when we drilled a hole, all kinds of bugs would float to surface. Later, fish would be mouthing at top of hole.

So, the following Saturday we went to fish by Headquarters. Had to have been 200 guys fishing right in front of Headquarters with bubblers just off to the east by the piers. After noon with sun beating down, ice started to get really bad. Saw numerous guys sitting on boxes or buckets slide into water as ice would give way.. Piles of fish on ice unbelieveable!!! Next Sunday was the same deal, and that was end of ice for the season. The 4,000 for the weekend was the number I remember. Was Valentine's weekend, hence, "The Valentine's Day Massacre"! I think the following year is the first I recall that they drained and restocked?

The use of the cards took place for a number of years. Had to sign a sheet when you got your card. They checked it pretty close. One saturday I forgot to turn  my card in and the next Saturday I turned in my card and as I was signing the sign in sheet the worker looked at my name and told me if I hadn't turned in my card I would not have been able to fish again until I did. So I know they checked the cards!
Teach